Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media, Author at Big Sioux Media Sports Network

Brookings Tops West Central Wrestling

December 6, 2021 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The West Central Trojans fell to the Brookings Bobcats in a dual in Brookings on Monday, December 6th. Brookings defeated the Trojans 38-24. The Trojans had a 24-6 lead after the 145-pound match, but Brookings went on a run of 32 straight points as a team for the win.

West Central will be in Rapid City on Friday, December 10th and Saturday, December 11th for the Rapid Invite at Summit Arena at The Monument.

Brookings 38, West Central 24

	Weight	Summary	BRK	WC
	106	Karson Vessells (WC) over Tate Helmbolt (BRK) (Dec 1-0)	0	3
	113	Levi Anderson (WC) over Unknown (For.)	0	6
	120	Rayce Whiting (WC) over Ahmed Sarah (BRK) (Fall 0:32)	0	6
	126	Nolan Miles (BRK) over Chandler Carda (WC) (SV-1 9-7)	3	0
	132	Jude Jarding (WC) over Luke DeRynck (BRK) (Dec 11-5)	0	3
	138	Gabriel Stern (BRK) over Keaton Vessels (WC) (Dec 7-2)	3	0
	145	Connor Siemonsma (WC) over Mason Mathis (BRK) (Fall 0:53)	0	6
	152	Joey Fitzpatrick (BRK) over Jesse Jost (WC) (Dec 4-0)	3	0
	160	Tyson Brandt (BRK) over Justin Zirpel (WC) (Dec 4-3)	3	0
	170	Jaxon Bowes (BRK) over Cain Grocott (WC) (TF 17-2 4:00)	5	0
	182	Israel Caldron (BRK) over Wyatt Nielsen (WC) (Dec 7-3)	3	0
	195	Caleb Loehr (BRK) over Gabe Gebhard (WC) (Fall 1:56)	6	0
	220	Luke Rasmussen (BRK) over Abram Maras (WC) (Fall 0:36)	6	0
	285	James Olson (BRK) over Gavin Pischke (WC) (Fall 1:03)	6	0
Team Score:			38	24

Dell Rapids Chamber’s “Christmas at the Dells” Celebration Held with Some New Events

December 6, 2021 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Dell Rapids Espresso Choir

The Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce held their annual “Christmas at the Dells” celebration Friday, December 3rd through Sunday, December 5th. The celebration had a some familiar events such as the sleigh/hay rides, free movie sponsored by Schwebach Realty, soup supper at the American Legion, parade of lights, and pictures with Santa. But there were some new events added to this year’s celebration.

Prior to the parade of lights, the Dell Rapids Espresso Choir sang Christmas carols during a tree lighting ceremony on Saturday. After the parade, the Hegg Brothers performed at the Grand Opera House.

Other events during the weekend included craft and kids activities at the library, art scratch ornaments at Corduroy and Pixie Dust, bowling tournaments at Pinz, Festival of Christmas Raffle at the Dells Museum, and “Celebration and Donation” event at Norby’s.

There are still a few events ongoing as part of the fun. Residents can still register to be a part of the house decorating contest. The registration can be found here. Children ages 3-12 can still turn in their coloring contest pages to Terry Rose or Corduroy and Pixie Dust until December 13th. And the holiday punch cards can be filled out until December 22nd for a chance to win up to $400 to chamber businesses. Punch cards can be mailed to the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce (PO Box 81, Dell Rapids, SD 57022) or dropped off at Ladelle and Fourth or T&C’s Other Place. Winner will be announced New Year’s Day

West Central Boys Bowling Remains Undefeated

December 6, 2021 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The West Central boys high school bowling team remained undefeated after a win against Brandon on Friday, December 3rd. West Central won all three games against Brandon at Sport Bowl in Sioux Falls. The Trojans won the first game 1188-1016. They took the second game 1140-935, and then won the third game 1170-881.

Daniel Pinn had a 729 three-game series (277, 227, 225). Blaine Wieczorek finished with a 611 series (192, 199, 220). Caiden Jones had a 574 (186, 205, 183). Gage Nelson finished with 538 (197, 155, 186). Derek Renken had a 526 (181, 151, 194), and Zack Handberg had a 520 series (155, 203, 162).

The girls won their first match of the season against Brandon winning all three games. West Central won the three games by scores of 824-731, 849-620, and 886-721.

Riley Howard had a three-game series of 546 (165, 193, 188). Madisyn Jones had a 447 (142, 176, 129). Rylee Cawley finished with a 434 series (148, 140, 146). Samantha Mallinger had a 420 (125, 122, 173). Hailey Mallinger finished with 364 (128, 120, 116), and Emma Husman had a 348 (116, 98, 134).

The West Central boys have a record of 5-0. The girls team has a record of 1-2. West Central will play Canton at Town and Country Lanes in Canton on Friday, December 10th.

Dells Bowling Hosted Sioux Falls Roosevelt

December 5, 2021 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Bryce Janiszeski

The Dell Rapids high school bowling team hosted Sioux Falls Roosevelt on Friday, December in Week five of the season. The boys team fell 2-1 to Roosevelt in three close games. The girls team only had one bowler and officially lost to Roosevelt 3-0.

The boys won the first game against Roosevelt 901-839, but they fell in the next two games (893-970 and 888-907). Adaya Penning had games of 60, 121, and 95 for the girls varsity team.

Bryce Janiszeski finished with a 516 three-game series (134, 195, 187). Ashton Schaaf finished with 485 (197, 154, 134). Caden Bitzer had a 480 (168, 133, 179). Oscar Anderson finished with a 439 (159, 150, 130). Ryder VanZee had a 434 (148, 139, 147), and Noah Larson finished with 328 (95, 122, 111).

The boys team is 0-5 on the season with two game wins. The girls team is 0-4 currently. Dell Rapids will host Sioux Falls Washington on Friday, December 10th in their next match.

West Central Wrestling Wins Rider Invitational

December 5, 2021 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The West Central Trojan wrestling team won the Rider Invitational on Saturday, December 4th in Sioux Falls. The Trojans finished with 226.0 points. Sioux Falls Lincoln was second with 199.0 points, and Beresford/Alcester-Hudson was third with 149.0 points.

All but two wrestlers placed in the tournament for the Trojans. Rayce Whiting (3-0, 120-pound), Chandler Carda (3-0, 126-pound), Justin Zirpel (3-0, 160-pound), and Alexa Bryant (3-0, 132G) all won their respective weight classes.

Levi Anderson (2-1, 113-pound), Wyatt Nielsen (2-1, 182-pound), and Gabe Gebhard (2-1, 195-pound) had second place finishes.

Karson Vessells (4-1, 106-pound), Keaton Vessells (3-1, 138-pound), Jesse Jost (3-1, 145-pound), and Hailey Fortney (3-1, 154G) placed 3rd.

Jude Jarding (2-2, 132-pound) and Chet Carda (2-2, 170-pound) had fourth place finishes. Abram Maras (1-2, 220-pound) placed fifth. Kadyn Sauers (0-3, 152-pound) placed sixth. Cody Opitz (0-2, 195-pound) and Gavin Pischke (0-2, 285-pound) also wrestled in the tournament.

The Trojans will be in Brookings on Monday, December 6th.

Kai Theel

December 5, 2021 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Kai Riley Theel was born on June 20th, 2021, to the joy of his parents Riley and Paige. He spent his last days surrounded by the love of family and friends. On December 3rd, Kai passed away in his parents arms, and went peacefully in to the arms of Jesus.

During Baby Kai’s time here, he loved laughing at his mom and dad, bath time, and going for walks or golf cart rides. Kai enjoyed laying on his play mat and being pestered by his puppies. He spent many nights being spoiled by his grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. Nothing brought him more peace than listening to Luke Combs. He was the sweetest blue-eyed boy with the biggest smile and the light of his parent’s life.

Kai was preceded in death by his great-grandpas, Mick Krantz, Don Bunkers, Don Nelson, and Marvin Theel.

He is survived by his parents Riley and Paige Theel; gandparents Jerry and Michelle Bunkers, and Denny and Donette Theel; great-grandmas Mary Krantz, Betty Bunkers, Jeanette Nelson, and Mary Weber; great-grandpa Jerry Weber; uncles and aunts Tate and Emily Bunkers, and Sam and Kelsey Collins; cousins Henry, Eloise, and Rocky Bunkers, and Harrison and Hudson Collins; and many dear family and friends.

Kai changed the lives of all who have met him and will be forever missed.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 7th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home in Dell Rapids. His funeral service will be Wednesday, December 8th at 1:00 pm at Embrace Church 57th Campus in Sioux Falls. www.kahlerfh.com

Mustangs Finish Seventh in First Tournament of Season

December 5, 2021 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Tri-Valley Mustang wrestling team started their 2021-2022 season in Dell Rapids at the “Top of the Rock” Tournament on Saturday, December 4th. The Mustangs finished seventh as a team with a total of 50.5 points.

Brody Dybvig (1-1) had a second place finish in the 126-pound weight class. Landyn Reiser (3-1) had a third place finish in the 138-pound class. Owen Effling (1-2, 106B), Treyson Richter (2-2, 113-pound), and Isaac Nehlich (1-2, 220-pound) all had fourth place finishes in the tournament.

Other wrestlers participating in the tournament were Cole Hendrixson (0-2, 106-pound), Cody Lofswold (0-2, 120-pound), Lawson Loiseau (1-2, 145-pound), Zach Powell (1-2, 152-pound), Everett Althoff (1-2, 160-pound), Mason Hendrixson (1-2, 170-pound), and Jose Mendoza (0-2, 182-pound).

The Mustangs will be in Freeman on Tuesday, December 7th.

Quarriers Place Sixth, One Champion at “Top of the Rock” Tournament

December 5, 2021 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Screenshot from webcast

The Dell Rapids Quarrier wrestling team kicked off their 2021-2022 season with their annual “Top of the Rock” tournament on Saturday, December 4th. Dell Rapids placed sixth as a team with 72.0 points. The Quarriers did have one wrestler win their respective weight class.

Mason Stubbe took the top spot in the 170-pound weight class finishing the day 3-0 with one major decision and two sudden victories. The Quarriers also had several wrestlers place second. Bella Bietz (2-1) was second in the 154G division. Josh Fletcher (2-1) was second in the 106B weight class. John Mortrude (2-1) placed second in the 132-pound weight class, and Weston Mason (2-1) finished second in the 160-pound weight class.

Janessa Nelson (1-2, 154G) had a third place finish. Bailey Credeur (1-3, 132G) and Quinn Carr (2-2, 182-pound) both had fourth place finishes. Mikayla Hight (0-4, 132G) placed fifth. Other wrestlers for Dell Rapids in the tournament were Hunter Horton (0-2, 113-pound), Kane Murphy (0-2, 126-pound), Kaiden Lowman (1-2, 138-pound), Gabe Clark (0-2, 152-pound), Brandon Schmidt (0-2, 195-pound), Aiden Geraets (1-2, 195-pound), and Sam Cavigielli (0-2, 285-pound).

The Quarriers will be in Lennox on December 14th for a Dak XII Quadrangular.

Denny Beekman

December 2, 2021 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Denny Beekman, 62, of Dell Rapids, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at his home under hospice care. His Memorial Service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 6, 2021 at Quarry Rock Church in Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present will be from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

Denny was born on December 13, 1958 in Estelline, to Marwin and Roberta (Martin) Beekman. He grew up and attended school in Huron, graduating in 1977. While growing up, he worked with his father at Car Quest where he sold auto parts. He married Teresa Rounds, and to this union three sons were born. Denny married Sandy Oestreich on May 8, 1995. The couple started their life together in Huron. In 1998, they moved to Brookings where Denny started working for 3M. In 2004, they made their home in Dell Rapids. He retired from 3M after 20 years this past March.

Denny most loved spending time with family and friends. Always quick to make everyone laugh with his famous one-liners. He filled his free time with unforgettable PRPP time, grilling his famous ribs, golfing (where he hit a hole in one), camping, and his pastime of owning and admiring hot rod cars.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Doug.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy of Dell Rapids; their children, Andy (Jenny) Beekman of Shepherdsville, KY, Scott (Sovanna) Beekman of Woonsocket and Troy (Abby) Beekman of Bennington, NE, Nicole (Trent) Bruce of Sioux Falls, Amanda (Chad) Klosterbuer of Little Rock, IA and Brian (Kristin) Nedved of Baltic. He earned the name Papa from his 15 grandchildren: Treyton, Americus, Addison, Kennedy, Hannah, Emma, Summer, Cael, Lincoln, Oscar, Oliver, Eleanor, Sullivan, Eliza, Rylee, and Benton. He also has his special Aunt Sheryl of Pueblo, CO, and several cousins and close friends.

Kaaren Randel

November 30, 2021 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Kaaren Randel, 54, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Her Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at River Community Church in Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at River Community Church on Friday, December 10, 2021. www.kahlerfh.com

Kaaren was born on August 31, 1967 in Sioux Falls, SD. She grew up and attended school at O’Gorman in Sioux Falls. She raised her children and then worked as a server at Olive Garden in California. This is where she met her husband, James “Cricket” Randel. The couple moved to Dell Rapids in 2001. Kaaren worked for Wells Fargo in Sioux Falls for over 20 years and her and James owned and operated Cricket’s Catering in Dell Rapids.

Kaaren was a true giver. She always put everyone else first. She truly enjoyed giving back to the community and donating her time and talents for various charities. She always remembered anniversaries and birthdays for her family, extended family, her co-workers and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Brad.

She is survived by her husband, James “Cricket” Randel; her kids, Jonny (Amanda) Schwarz, Christina (Tyler) Jorgensen, Andrew (Jamie) Schwarz, Michelle Miller, Trey Randel, Lealand (Ayriona) Randel; grandkids, Jayda, Corbin, Chase, Adelyne, Ava, Abel, and Anaya; two great-grandkids; her sisters, Neoma, Maggie, Ingred and Hallie.

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